PM to look into MIC’s request for greater representation in govt

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today he will look into a request for greater MIC representation in the government.

He said he will also discuss with his deputy Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and other party leaders in the government regarding the issue.

Speaking in front of thousands of MIC members and party president Vigneswaran at the MIC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, the prime minister said as of now, he doesn't see any difficulty with that matter.

“I must again reiterate that you’re showing enough confidence (towards the federal government) and I’m of course, very appreciative of that.

“I’ve been going all over the districts (for state elections), particularly in the states on the west coast, and at every function, I’ve seen MIC leaders attending and giving commitment and respect. I salute them for that,” he said.

Zahid, who is also the BN chairperson and Umno president, and MIC deputy president M Saravanan were also present.

Vigneswaran earlier raised the issue in his speech, saying MIC lacked government positions, including in government-linked companies (GLCs). He also voiced his displeasure over the matter of seat allocations for the Aug 12 state elections.

MIC and MCA previously announced they will not contest in the upcoming state elections but will instead focus on preparations for the 16th general election.

Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan chairperson, also asked to be given time for him to deliver promises, especially on eradicating poverty among the various races, including the Indians.

“Not many Malays throughout history would dare say publicly in Parliament and outside Parliament, to say yes, the majority of the poor (are) the Malays, but the poorest is among ethnic Indians, and it is our responsibility to deal with this situation, irrespective of race,” he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the special meeting between Anwar and MIC showed togetherness and solidarity among the parties under the federal government and BN.

He said MIC expressed its views and wishes to support the agenda of the coalition government during the meeting as well as stated their commitment to helping BN and Pakatan Harapan candidates win the Aug 12 state elections involving six states.

He said accusations that the relationship between Umno and MIC is strained are desperate attempts by certain parties who lack issues to play up ahead of the state polls.

“The MIC leadership I saw today is still strong and portrays the unity that has been maintained since 1973,” Zahid said in a Facebook post.

The BN chairperson said loyalty demonstrated by BN has been the foundation of the many successes achieved by the country, therefore, he said he wished that the friendship, from the leadership to the grassroots level, will remain and be forever protected.

- Bernama